# US 2018/0021014 A1 · Device for use in combination with an ultrasound imaging system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2018/0021014 A1 - Document ID: US20180021014A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/215,813 - Filed: 2016-07-21 - Published: 2018-01-25 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-21 - Assignees: Amcad Biomed Corporation - Applicants: AmCad BioMed Corporation - Inventors: Argon CHEN; Yili LEE; Yu-Lun CHEN; Kuo-Chen HUANG - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180021014A1 ## CPC - A61B 8/4281: {characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue} - A61B 8/4209: {by using holders, e.g. positioning frames} - A61B 8/4433: {involving a docking unit} - A61B 8/4444: {related to the probe} - A61B 8/461: {Displaying means of special interest} - A61B 8/54: {Control of the diagnostic device} - A61B 8/56: {Details of data transmission or power supply} - A61B 2560/0214: of power generation or supply - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract The present invention provides a device for use in combination with an ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasonic probe, comprising a housing including a main body and a handle, the main body extending along a first axis from a first end to a second end, and having an accommodating space; a holder adapted for holding the ultrasonic probe, the holder being slidably movable within the accommodating space along the first axis with the ultrasonic probe held therein; a duct for conveying conductive gel having an opening at the first end of the main body; and a control means adapted for controlling the supply of conductive gel from the opening of the duct. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device for use in combination with an ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasonic probe, comprising: a housing including a main body and a handle, the main body extending along a first axis from a first end to a second end, and having an accommodating space; a holder adapted for holding the ultrasonic probe, the holder being slidably movable within the accommodating space along the first axis with the ultrasonic probe held therein; a duct for conveying conductive gel having an opening at the first end of the main body; and a control means adapted for controlling the supply of conductive gel from the opening of the duct. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound imaging system further includes a master device. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, further comprising a communication module adapted to communicate with the master device. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic probe is an integrated handheld ultrasonic scanner, and the master device is a device selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a personal computer. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable display configured on the housing, the adjustable display being detachably or securely mounted on the housing. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The device of claim 4, further comprising a dock for the smartphone, personal digital assistant, or tablet computer, wherein the dock is configured on the housing. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the control means is further adapted for controlling the movement of the holder along the first axis. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising a conductive gel source connected to the duct. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The device of claim 8, wherein the conductive gel source is configured inside the handle. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9, wherein the conductive gel source is a removable container containing conductive gel. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the holder holds the ultrasonic probe in a first position such that the tip of the ultrasonic probe is exposed from the first end of the main body, and the ultrasonic probe is movable, by the holder along the first axis toward the second end of the main body, to a second position where its tip retreats to the accommodating space. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The device of claim 11, wherein the movement of the holder along the first axis is controlled by the control means. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The device of claim 11, wherein the opening of the duct is configured at a location adapted for supplying conductive gel to the tip of the ultrasonic probe when the ultrasonic probe is in the second position. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The device of claim 12, wherein the control means is adapted for synchronously moving the holder along the first axis and supplying conductive gel through the duct to the tip of the ultrasonic probe. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The device of claim 14, wherein, after the conductive gel is added to the tip of the ultrasonic probe, the control means automatically moves the holder along the first axis toward the first end of the main body, such that the ultrasonic probe automatically returns to its first position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A kit comprising: a device according to claim 1; and a base for the device. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The kit of claim 16, wherein the device further comprises a battery and the base is a charging base. ### Claim 18 (depends on 2) A kit comprising: a device according to claim 2, wherein the master device includes a console; and an intermediate apparatus comprising: a receiver for receiving a signal from the communication module; and an actuator for pressing a physical button of the console. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The kit according to claim 18, wherein the device further comprises a battery. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The kit according to claim 18, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of electric magnets, electric motors, piezoelectric components, valves, pressure controllers, and combinations thereof.